Wed, Nov 5, 2025 at 12:00 AM

Oncology Pharmacist works closely with patients to help them manage medication

Oncologists, chemo nurses and radiation therapists are integral positions in any facility treating cancer patients but people don’t always think of a pharmacist as being a member of the care team. The Marshall Cancer Care Center has changed that by adding Blake Elrod to the staff.

“Pharmacy has been slightly overlooked as being part of an oncology care team,” said Blake, who graduated in 2022 from Auburn University College of Pharmacy. “It’s really great to have the opportunity to be here in oncology and be part of the patient’s actual care instead of being just on the end of it providing medication.”

An oncology pharmacist is a specialized pharmacist who supports cancer patient care by managing chemotherapy and other cancer-related medications. They are crucial for ensuring the right dosing, compounding and administration of treatments while minimizing side effects.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our Clinical Pharmacist to the bedside, where he’ll be actively engaging with patients to provide education on the chemotherapy drugs administered at our cancer center,” said Director Brandon Evans. “His extensive training and deep understanding of drug mechanisms and side effects empower our clinical pharmacy team to offer clear, compassionate guidance—ensuring patients know what to expect throughout their treatment journey. This collaboration adds a vital second layer of support alongside our physicians, reinforcing the safety and effectiveness of the various chemotherapy regimens we deliver.”

Blake first worked in Marshall Medical’s retail pharmacy, which is next door to the Cancer Care Center, basically filling prescriptions for employees. When he got the chance to work inside the oncology clinic, he realized how much he enjoyed working one-on-one with patients.

“Here you get to make relationships,” he said. “It’s nice to have the time to spend with patients.”

The role is known as an ambulatory care pharmacist, who provides direct patient care to non-hospitalized patients in outpatient settings like clinics. They work with patients and their providers to manage medications, counsel on disease states, and help optimize therapy by performing services such as initiating and adjusting medications, ordering and interpreting lab values and administering immunizations.

“Oncology treatments are very tailored for each individual patient,” he said.

Blake counsels patients taking oral chemotherapy to educate them on what to expect. For example, he warns them to avoid grapefruit juice because it is known to cause interactions with cancer medications. He reviews dosages to make sure they are correct. He looks at their existing prescriptions and runs an interaction check to see if anything needs to be adjusted.

“Medication reconciliation helps prevent any future adverse interactions,” he said.

Medication reconciliation is the formal process of creating the most accurate and complete list of a patient's current medications, comparing it against newly prescribed medications and addressing any discrepancies. This process is critical for preventing medication errors during transitions in care, such as hospital admission, transfer or discharge.

Blake also helps patients find financial assistance to help pay for meds such as coupons and discounts. Many cancer medications are expensive and don’t have a generic substitute. Co-pays can be as high as $2,000 per month, which is not affordable for most patients. Figuring out how to pay those costs is something a patient should not have to do alone and Blake serves as an advocate in those situations.

For patients receiving traditional chemo, Blake counsels them on what side effects to expect. He created a handout detailing how to deal with such issues as skin changes and hair loss.

“We are proud to have Blake on our team, who plays a key role in assisting patients with specialty medications and meticulously cross-checking drugs prior to administration,” said Evans. “His expertise helps safeguard our processes and enhances the personalized care we strive to provide every day.”

Blake developed an interest in oncology during his clinicals at the Cancer Care Institute in Huntsville. It’s a difficult specialty but he knew it would allow him to work closely with patients and physicians.

“You do have to know a lot more drugs in oncology,” he said. “I make sure I have a good relationship with the doctors to let them know that I am a clinical asset because I am a doctor of pharmacy. They can trust me with clinical questions they have.

Blake grew up in the tiny Morgan County community of Ryan and now lives in Arab. He knows the local rural area is very fortunate to have its own stand-alone facility to treat cancer.

“To have an oncology center in this rural area is very prestigious.”